Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a wall panel blocking bracket including a first base, a first stud side engager connected to and extending upwardly from the first base, a second stud side engager connected to and extending upwardly from the first base, a second base connected to the first stud side engager, a third base connected to the second stud side engager, a first hook extending transversely from the first stud side engager, a second hook extending transversely from the second stud side engager, all configured to partially support a wooden block adjacent to a support beam in any one of a perpendicular orientation, a first position parallel orientation, and a second different position parallel orientation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices for sending and receiving payments using an integrated payment and messaging system. In particular, the integrated payment and messaging system allows users to send and receive electronic payments as well as exchange messages. For example, one or more implementations involve facilitating message exchanges and payment transactions using push notifications via separate message and payment queues. To illustrate, one or more implementations involve pushing status updates to a payment transaction using a payment queue specific to a user. Additionally, one or more implementations involve associating payment transactions with messages within a messaging thread for providing updates to each user in the messaging thread.

Abstract: A method of recovering particles from a liquid, a froth flotation apparatus, and a method of recovering particles in a flotation cell are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises a technique of exposing the particles to first-size bubbles having a first predetermined size; the first-size bubbles adhering to the particles; and exposing the particles in a liquid, with the first-size bubbles adhering to the particles, to second-size bubbles having a second predetermined size, the second predetermined size being at least approximately ten times larger than the first predetermined size. The method further comprises the second-size bubbles adhering to the particles and engulfing the first-size bubbles on the particles; and using the second-size bubbles adhering to the particles to recover the particles from the liquid. In one embodiment a first surfactant is used to form the first-size bubbles, and a second surfactant is used to form the second-size bubbles.

Abstract: A method for analyzing acoustic/elastic waves to determine subsurface structure of the earth includes receiving a plurality of observations of a seismic acoustic/elastic wave-field from a plurality of sensors; generating a plurality of Bernstein grids of differing resolutions; calculating a data misfit of the plurality of observations with respect to an initial subsurface structure model defined in terms of conic combinations of Bernstein polynomials on a lowest resolution Bernstein grid, and mapping the data misfit from the Bernstein grid onto a Lagrangian grid; updating the subsurface structure model by minimizing the data misfit between the plurality of observations and observations obtained by a simulation; increasing resolution of the Bernstein grid and recomputing the updated subsurface structure model on the increased resolution Bernstein grid; and mapping the recomputed subsurface structure model onto the Lagrangian grid.

Abstract: A heating system includes a structure to be heated, and a heating apparatus disposed to heat the structure. The heating apparatus includes a housing member, a plurality of resonant frequency power sources, and a plurality of associated controls. The plurality of resonant frequency power sources are attached to the housing member. The plurality of associated controllers is configured to separately operate the plurality of resonant frequency power sources at resonant frequencies matching heating requirements of the structure.

Abstract: A method of recovering particles from a liquid, a froth flotation apparatus, and a method of recovering particles in a flotation cell are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises a technique of exposing the particles to first-size bubbles having a first predetermined size; the first-size bubbles adhering to the particles; and exposing the particles in a liquid, with the first-size bubbles adhering to the particles, to second-size bubbles having a second predetermined size, the second predetermined size being at least approximately ten times larger than the first predetermined size. The method further comprises the second-size bubbles adhering to the particles and engulfing the first-size bubbles on the particles; and using the second-size bubbles adhering to the particles to recover the particles from the liquid. In one embodiment a first surfactant is used to form the first-size bubbles, and a second surfactant is used to form the second-size bubbles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatically scoring a game of darts. The method involves obtaining an image of a dartboard (2) using three cameras (10), detecting a visual disturbance in the image, and identifying a validly thrown dart if the visual disturbance includes a moving phase with a maximum temporal duration and successive images of the dartboard which exhibit differences. The visual disturbance should also include a stationary phase when the dart has been embedded in the dartboard (2). The method also includes calculating a score for the validly thrown dart based on its stationary position relative to the dartboard. A lighting system for a dartboard is also disclosed where a LED strip light (14) is provided around a circumference of the dartboard and three spotlights (8) are provided above the dartboard.

Abstract: A gaming table provides for use of RFID technology to track chip movement on a table game and to infer an association between a wager and a player position based on a chip identifier of a chip placed on a particular position of the table. In some embodiments, previous position history of the chip is also taken into account in determining a player position associated with a wager.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a gaming apparatus provides for an electronic baccarat game in which game elements are placed in a game element matrix within which a plurality of paylines are defined. Each payline consists of a baccarat hand which includes a first subset of game element positions attributed to the Player side and a second subset of game element positions attributed to the Banker side. In one embodiment, a player may place a wager on a game instance of the baccarat game and select one of a Player side and a Banker side for the wager. A payout is determined for the game instance based on which of the Player side and the Banker side the player selected and how many of the paylines resulted in a Player side win and how many of the paylines resulted in a Banker side win.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for improving a user experience for performing transactions between potential buyers and sellers online via real-time communications. For example, a social marketplace system enables a potential buyer to initiate a real-time communication with a seller without the potential buyer having to provide contextual information regarding the item to the seller. In one or more embodiments, the social marketplace system provides a banner, in connection with the real-time communication, populated with structured data associated with the item that the potential buyer and the seller are discussing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, devices and methods for vehicle control with natural-language guidance instructions. In one embodiment, a method is provided for control vehicle operation based on natural-language guidance instructions and image data detected by a camera mounted to a vehicle. One or more targets may be identified based on the guidance instructions to identifying vehicle position and/or operation. Object detection may be performed on the image data and control commands may be determined in response to the object detection. Operation of the vehicle may be controlled based on the control command. Natural-language guidance instructions can allow for directions and/or destinations to be provided without an operator or passenger of the vehicle having an address or map identifier of a destination. Processes and configurations are provided for confirming natural-language instructions and assessing image data to control vehicle operation.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments there is provided an electronic gaming table system (e.g., a smart table operable to facilitate a card game, such as baccarat, blackjack or poker) which includes (i) at least one detecting mechanism for detecting a plurality of game elements (e.g., wagering chips) placed on, or removed from, a particular physical position of a physical table of the gaming table system to represent at least one wager for a particular game event; and (ii) a game controller operable to identify, based at least on data received from the at least one detecting mechanism, whether the plurality of game elements represent a single wager or multiple distinct wagers placed on the particular physical position and for the particular game event. In some embodiments, the detecting mechanism is an RFID antenna.

Abstract: A gaming table provides for use of RFID technology to track chip movement on a table game and to infer an association between a wager and a player position based on a chip identifier of a chip placed on a particular position of the table. In some embodiments, previous position history of the chip is also taken into account in determining a player position associated with a wager.

Abstract: A method for analyzing acoustic/elastic waves to determine subsurface structure of the earth includes receiving a plurality of observations of a seismic acoustic/elastic wave-field from a plurality of sensors; generating a plurality of Bernstein grids of differing resolutions; calculating a data misfit of the plurality of observations with respect to an initial subsurface structure model defined in terms of conic combinations of Bernstein polynomials on a lowest resolution Bernstein grid, and mapping the data misfit from the Bernstein grid onto a Lagrangian grid; updating the subsurface structure model by minimizing the data misfit between the plurality of observations and observations obtained by a simulation; increasing resolution of the Bernstein grid and recomputing the updated subsurface structure model on the increased resolution Bernstein grid; and mapping the recomputed subsurface structure model onto the Lagrangian grid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first query comprising one or more n-grams inputted by the first user at the client system, accessing by the client system a plurality of ideograms each being associated with one or more tags matching at least one of the n-grams of the first query, where the one or more ideograms are ranked in an order based on their respective user-probabilities each being calculated based at least in part on a frequency of use associated with the respective ideogram, presenting one or more of the ideograms at the client system in ranked order where each ideogram is selectable by the first user, and receiving a selection of one of the presented ideograms at the client system.

Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a base assembly, at least one tray releasably secured to the base, and a lid. The base may have at least one ridge extending between a front edge and a rear edge of the base, and the tray may have at least one channel configured to receive the ridge, the channel having a securing element configured to releasably secure the tray to the ridge. The trays may be removable, replaceable, and/or interchangeable to provide a interchangeable palette.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices for enabling peer to business payments using an integrated payment and messaging system. In particular, the integrated payment and messaging system allows users to send electronic payments as well as exchange messages with a merchant. The integrated payment and messaging system can improve security by allowing a user to make a purchase without having to provide sensitive financial information to the merchant. In addition, the integrated payment and messaging system can allow a user to make a payment for an order seamlessly during a conversation with the merchant.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, provided herein is a table system for facilitating a card game (e.g., a baccarat or blackjack card game) that includes LED or other lighting components under the felt covering of the table, which lighting components are used to communicate information to players of the game. In some embodiments, different lighting effects are used to communicate different information (e.g., a first lighting effect is used to indicate a bet spot with that has the highest wager or that qualifies for a special benefit). In some embodiments, the table system also includes RFID components. Various processes and system designs are provided herein to minimize or eliminate interference (e.g., magnetic field interference) between the lighting components and the RFID components.

Abstract: An integrated high-performance and light-weight electric drive system for a bicycle is disclosed comprising an integrated unitary motor-controller-drive system that can be inserted into and removed from a first tube portion of a bicycle frame through an open bottom bracket shell portion of the bicycle frame. A longitudinally-extending battery pack configured to be electrically connected with and to provide electrical power to the electric motor and the controller may be configured to be inserted into and removed from a second tube portion of the bicycle frame through the open bottom bracket shell portion of the bicycle frame. Some or all of the electrical components may not be visible from the exterior of the bicycle. A unique digital torque sensing and control system is described along with regenerative braking and other unique features.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first query inputted by a first user at a first client system, the first query including one or more n-grams; identifying ideograms, each ideogram being associated with one or more tags, each identified ideogram being associated with at least one tag matching at least one of the n-grams of the received first query; calculating, for each identified ideogram, a use-probability for the ideogram given the received first query, wherein the use-probability is based at least in part on a frequency of use associated with the ideogram; and sending, to the first client system, instructions for presenting a first set of ideograms comprising one or more of the identified ideograms, the first set being determined based on the calculated use-probabilities associated with the ideograms.